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Powerful storm wreaks havoc in Portsmouth

By GRETYL MACALASTERUnion Leader Correspondent

PORTSMOUTH - Severe thunder storms rolled through the city Monday afternoon causing flash flooding, downed trees and some power outages.

Bridge Street was blocked by police shortly before 5 p.m. after at least one car got stuck in a massive puddle and had to be pushed out. At least one vehicle also got stuck traveling through high water on Islington Street.

A giant tree branch damaged a trash can and barely missed cars at the Bridge Street parking lot.

Flash flooding also occurred closer to Newington, making exit and entrance to Commerce Way nearly impassable during the worst of the storm.

The skies began to darken around 4 p.m. before heavy rain, some hail and winds blew through the area. The entire storm lasted only about 45 minutes.

Storm drains had difficulty keeping up with the amount of water pouring down, leading to pooling and flooding in many areas.

At around 5:30 p.m. Portsmouth Fire Lt. Mark Newport said telephone poles, wires and trees were down all over the place.? Many roads were closed including Pleasant Street, South Street and Woodbury Avenue by Boyd Street.

He recommended drivers stay off the roads if possible, and if traveling, to do so cautiously and to avoid downed wires.

Fire crews were busy responding, as were Public Service of New Hampshire crews.

He said the water started to recede, but with the skies still cloudy, there is still the chance of more rain to come.